Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
1/10/00
Contacts:
Byron Leu, Jefferson County Extension, (515) 472-4166,
x1leu@exnet.iastate.edu
Elaine Edwards, Extension Communication Systems, (515)
294-5168, eedwards@iastate.edu
Cow-Calf Conference Set for Feb. 26
OTTUMWA, Iowa - Cow-calf producers interested in adding value to their calf crop are invited to attend the 29th annual Cornbelt Cow-Calf Conference, set for Saturday, Feb. 26, in Ottumwa.
"The Cornbelt Cow-Calf conference provides an opportunity for researchers, producers and agriculture-related services to come together to learn and share ideas that will assist in making the cow-calf business profitable and competitive on a long-term basis," said Byron Leu, Iowa State University Extension livestock field specialist and a conference organizer. "The morning sessions will focus on value-added efforts, while the afternoon sessions will emphasize management and production information."
Keynoting this year's conference is Harlan Ritchie, distinguished professor of animal science, Michigan State University, and Bill Miller, director of communication, U.S. Premium Beef.
Ritchie is a nationally recognized beef industry leader and educator. His presentation will be on selection for improved carcass traits. An Albert City, Iowa, native, Ritchie received his B.S. degree from ISU and his doctorate from Michigan State University. His work focuses on extension and research at Michigan State.
Miller develops and oversees communication for U.S. Premium Beef, a producer-owned beef marketing company, which is a partner with Farmland Industries in the ownership of Farmland National Beef, the nation's fourth largest beef processor. He has more than 20 years experience covering the beef industry for Successful Farming, Farm Journal and most recently was editor of Beef Today. Miller's presentation will focus on getting paid for what you produce.
Other topics and speakers include:
Adding value to your cow-calf enterprise, Joe Sellers, Chariton Valley Beef, ISU Extension livestock field specialist; John Lawrence, director, Iowa Beef Center, ISU; and Phil Core, marketing director, Iowa Cattlemen's Association;
Value-added programs: a producer's view, Mike Hunter, cow-calf producer, Chariton;
Living with fescue, John Johns, beef extension specialist, University of Kentucky; and
Pasture watering options, Gary Cossel, commercial cow-calf producer, Bloomfield and Brian Peterson, grassland conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
In addition to the presentations, the conference features many exhibits. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Admission charge is $6, which includes lunch and a copy of the conference proceedings.
The conference is sponsored by the Ottumwa Area Chamber of Commerce and Iowa State University Extension with Farm Credit Services of America and the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture providing financial support.
For more information, contact Leu at the Jefferson County Extension Office, (515) 472-4166, or the Ottumwa Chamber of Commerce, (515) 682-3465.
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Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.